The Federal Communications Commission voted Dec. 14 to repeal net neutrality laws introduced during President Barack Obama’s administration.

Under net neutrality laws, internet service providers could not discriminate against any data on the internet or charge customers more for visiting different websites. ISPs could not prioritize their own content or the content of paying websites above other content online.

SM North junior Max Wong explains what could happen following the end of net neutrality.

“As net neutrality is removed, ISPs will be able to block, slow down, and try to squeeze more money from internet users,” Wong said.

The reversal of net neutrality laws has the potential to raise internet bills for both individual consumers and school districts.

“Net Neutrality is important for us and even the school because it allows us to get the open internet for just one price,” Wong said. “Rumors are saying that they want to split the net into packages and charge more per site.”

Though this has raised concerns among students, the Shawnee Mission School District has not yet felt any effects of this repeal.

“We haven’t had any communication from the school or from the district in regard to net neutrality,” Principal Dave Tappan said. “I do not foresee it being a problem at this time.”

However, not everyone shares this view. Business teacher Walter Mansfield said the end of net neutrality could pose potential problems for the district in the future.

“With the marketplace, large companies can control the market and prevent smaller businesses from having their content shown,” Mansfield said. “This might be a problem if the district ends up paying more for different products or services.”

Though it remains unclear whether the end of net neutrality will affect the school district, concerns remain among students and teachers alike.

“If your school has to pay more for net neutrality, you better hope that Unite Private Networks is caring enough to allow you to use the internet at an affordable price,” Wong said.